How do desert animals avoid overheating in the daytime?

Desert animals face extreme heat, so many use a combination of shelter, timing, and physiology to stay cool. Lizards may bask briefly and then retreat to burrows, while rodents and foxes are often nocturnal to avoid the hottest hours. Some animals have large ears or light-colored fur that help release heat, and others reduce activity to conserve water and energy. A few species can tolerate body temperatures that would be dangerous for most mammals. These strategies let animals live in deserts where daytime temperatures can be severe.